TOOWOOMBA

A major producer of primary products, the Toowoomba region occupies an important strategic position as a processing and distribution centre for the Darling Downs and South West Queensland region.

Toowoomba City is a major services and administration hub and provides commercial businesses, services and amenities to its 90,000 strong population, including several major hospitals, extensive public and private education facilities, two University campuses and a range of retail shopping centres.

The region experienced considerable growth over the last five years, with average population growth rates eclipsing the rate of growth in Brisbane City and several major coastal centres.

Facts and Figures

• 13% growth in construction-related jobs
• 12% growth in property and business services
• $2.4 billion in planned projects over the next five years

Employment by Occupation

In 2006, the top five occupations in the Toowoomba region were estimated to be:

• Professionals (20% share of total employment)
• Intermediate clerical, sales and service workers (16% share of total employment)
• Tradespersons and related workers (14% share of total employment)
• Associate professionals (13% share of total employment)
• Labourers and related workers (11% share of total employment)

Employment by Industry

The Toowoomba regional economy benefits from a number of vibrant and growing sectors including: retail trade, health and community services, manufacturing, education, and property and business services.

The economy has traditionally been based around a strong agricultural sector with grain, cattle, fruit, and wine produced in the region. While agriculture remains a prominent industry in the region, initiatives to reduce the reliance of the economy on this sector have seen a greater diversity of employment emerge over the past decade, with commerce, information and service-based industries experiencing significant growth.

In 2006, the top industries of employment in the Toowoomba region were:

• Retail trade (15% share of total employment)
• Health and community services (13% share of total employment)
• Manufacturing (11% share of total employment)
• Education (9% share of total employment)
• Property and business services (9% share of total employment)
• Construction (8% share of total employment)

Employment Outlook: The Next Five Years

The Toowoomba region is a major employment and services centre for the Darling Downs and south-west Queensland region, with strong employment growth evident across a wide range of industries.

While the rural and agriculture sectors are the backbone of the region's economy and way of life, a strong value-added food manufacturing and processing sector has emerged as a significant generator of employment.

Key Industry Information

At the heart of the Toowoomba region's economy are the key industries that make up the majority of the region's output. These key industries are:

1. Agriculture, Food Processing and Manufacturing
2. Tourism
3. Electricity, Gas and Water
4. Transport and Storage
5. Education
6. Research and Development

For more information visit www.toowoomba-revealed.com.au